Whey Protein: Why so important?

   One of the biggest stereotypes for bodybuilders, fitness enthusiasts, and serious athletes is the vision of them always carrying a blender bottle full of that powder we call protein. But why? What makes protein so vital to our diet while gaining muscle or even while trying to lose fat? I wrote this piece a year or so ago and I just came across it. I hope this can help some of you when deciding whether or not to take whey protein after a workout and the answer is almost always "yes, you should." Just remember that this is a supplement and therefore should not be your sole source of protein for the day but only a small part of your overall diet. Protein is great for a mid day snack, post workout recovery, and a before bed boost for your body to work on muscle recovery over night. Here's a brief breakdown on the importance of whey protein:

(my current arsenal of whey protein)

Whey Protein Breakdown

Protein forms the building blocks for your muscle tissue, so without it your body would lack a critical component needed for muscle to even exist. Whey is one of the best absorbed forms of protein in the body, even higher than chicken or fish.* Supplement with high quality whey protein to get the results you long for!*
The benefits of using a whey protein powder include:

• Ease and convenience of not having to prepare whole foods
• Great taste that will satisfy your craving for something sweet
• Promoting strength gains and cardiovascular function*
• Immune system optimization*

Whey protein is easy to mix with water, juice or milk, and will provide about 20-25 grams of protein per serving. Those who make use of whey protein powders within their training schedule often show better results than those who don't so be sure that you're not skipping out on the benefits you could be seeing.
The main factors to always consider when looking at a protein powder include:

• Total calorie content
• Total protein content
• Carbohydrate and fat content
• Added ingredients like artificial sweeteners or other flavorings

Whey protein powders can range from lean proteins to weight gainers. Make sure the main macronutrients of the powder fit in with the goals of your diet. In some cases additional complexes will be added to the protein powder for added benefit, such as creatine or glutamine.

       To get maximum results from your protein powder, take it directly after your workout, preferably within the first 30 minutes, along with a fast acting source of carbohydrates. Be sure to keep fat intake to a minimum after your workout as it will only slow down the digestion process, which is not what you want at this time.

      Always have your whey protein handy! When you're in need of pick-me-up and don't have time for a full meal, you can mix your whey protein powder with frozen fruit, milk or juice, and some healthy fats like peanut butter or flaxseed oil to make a nutritionally complete shake in seconds!


The two proteins I have used in the past that have given me the best results are Cytosport’s Muscle Milk and Gaspari Nutrition’s Myofusion.

Muscle Milk is the better tasting of the two and it contains more vitamins and minerals than any other protein supplement. It can make a good meal replacement shake or a post workout supplement.

 Myofusion is a great post workout supplement. I have seen gains in the gym while on it and with its new “Probiotic” formula it will be a contender with Muscle Milk as a supplement that is good for more than just post workout.

Currently I go between both supplements and they both offer great taste and results along with the proper diet and exercise.  I would suggest to use Muscle Milk to anyone who is either just getting into weight training or has been a total gym rat.

Cytosport Muscle Milk
Muscle Milk consists of a precise blend of multi-source proteins, functional fats, low-sugar carbohydrates and 20 vitamins and minerals in a lactose-free formula. Muscle Milk is an ideal nutritional choice whether you are a performance athlete, watching your diet, or simply desire to gain strength & maintain lean muscle mass.
32grams of protein per serving.

Price:  $20.00-$55.00


Gaspari Nutrition Myofusion Probiotic
• Advanced six stage protein blend.
• Patented Ganeden BC30 (Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086)  Probiotic   to support immune system function and digestive health.
• Features Whey Protein Concentrate, Brown Rice Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Casein Milk Protein Isolate, Egg Albumin, and fast acting Whey Protein Hydrolysate.
• Over 9 grams of essential Amino Acids (EAAs) to support recovery.*
• Gluten and Aspartame free formula.
• 24 grams of protein per serving

Price:  $25.00-$50.00




Another Protein that I have started to be accustomed to during my cutting phase has been Nature's Best Isopure Zero Carb Protein.  Yes, Zero Carbs! So for those who have to watch their macros carefully and they carbohydrate intake, this is perfect and it comes in a variety of flavors.
• 50g Protein per serving
• 100% Pure Whey Isolate
• Still contains glutamine and essential vitamins and minerals.
• 0g Sugar
• This is the protein for those who want to cut.

Price: $16.00 - $100.00



These three are part of my top “Go-To” brands when I can afford it. But I am also the frequent user of GNC’s product line. Just make sure you’re not getting a ton of excess sugar and monitor the carbs per serving as well.